HOWARD COUNTY, MD – After undergoing a 14 month renovation project, the Glenwood branch of the Howard County Library System will reopen with a celebratory ribbon cut on Saturday, December 4 at 10 a.m. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, President and CEO of HCLS Tonya Aikens and other dignitaries will be on hand to welcome the community to the branch, which is located at 2350 MD-97, Cooksville.
The renovated Glenwood branch will include:
- Two new versatile studios, allowing instructors to teach more classes for all ages and giving the community more space for public meetings.
- New customer service and self-service areas, allowing customers to collect their own plugs.
- New passport office for more confidentiality.
- Renovated coffee-vending area in a new central location, serving as a snack area, collaborative and social space.
- Refreshed children’s and teenage areas with new seats and a relocated children’s information desk.
- New flooring in areas for teens, adults, studio, office, cafe and makerspace.
- A new outdoor terrace.
- A makerspace, including 3D printers, a digital memory station, a large format printer, a laser engraver, a recording booth and DIY bins.
“We are grateful to the community for their support and patience throughout the project and we are delighted that they experience what we were able to do on a limited budget,” said Aikens. “At the best of times, construction and renovation projects often experience delays. In the event of a pandemic, however, the delays are compounded by personnel and supply chain issues. Our team worked strategically to maintain contactless pickup of materials throughout the project and to take back the kids classes once it was safe to do so. We know how much our community values and needs the library and we are delighted to fully welcome customers to the branch now that the most essential elements are in place. “
The new makerspace will include two 3D printers, a digital memory station where customers can convert VHS tapes and DVDs to digital files, a large format printer, a laser cut burner, a recording booth and bins filled with DIY items.
“We invite creators and curious minds of all ages to experiment, learn and create with these new tools,” said Aikens. “The new makerspace illustrates our commitment to providing the space and resources necessary to leverage the strengths of the community through enhanced educational opportunities that foster exploration, collaboration and creation.”
In the kids’ zone, a builders barn offers age-appropriate supplies and activities for kids to design and create. Interactive learning spaces that encourage young children to learn through play are yet to come. These new spaces, due to arrive in early 2022, are specifically designed to teach pre-literacy skills.
Additionally, guests will be able to browse and borrow selected artwork at HCLS arts education collection.
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